With more ridesharing and car sharing options available,
many people are opting out of car ownership completely. Companies like Zipcar,
Lyft, Uber and Liftshare are making transportation as easy as the click of a
button and it has people thinking: What do I need a car for anyway?

One of the hardest parts of car shopping and
buying is the necessary long-term commitment that comes with it. The vehicle
has to be able to withstand the test of time and you have to be prepared to pay for it- along with the cost of
insurance, gas and parking.

But is ride or car sharing really cheaper or
more efficient? We took a look into your options. Though initially avoiding car
ownership costs sounds ideal, ridesharing transportation can also add up
depending on your lifestyle. Each company operates differently, some charging
by the minute or mile, while others use memberships and reserve time slots.

Buying
a Car

Even with ridesharing being as simple as using
an app, can anything truly be easier than jumping into your own car and getting
where you need to go? For those who don’t live within walking distance of their
regular destinations (grocery store, workplace, park, etc.) planning a ride for
every unique trip might be a bit of an inconvenience.

If you live in a non-metropolitan area, using your
own vehicle is likely more convenient and cost efficient. With ridesharing costing
more for longer distances and car sharing being restricted to certain areas,
these services don’t benefit everyone all the time. If you require a vehicle for a round trip at
least once a day, you may want to consider buying a car.

Remember all the good things that come with
car ownership, too. Like never having to wait for a vehicle or being able to
easily change your plans when needed. The benefits may be more valuable in the
long run than you think.

Not
Buying a Car

If you rarely drive long distances, often use
public transportation and like to walk to destinations when you can, ridesharing
may be for you. Just as it has always been, car-free living is much more
realistic in a big city. Owning cars can be an unnecessary expense for those
who do not get enough usage out of them and don’t want to worry about upkeep.
But, deciding against ownership doesn’t mean you can’t use vehicles when you
need them.

Zipcar is an up-and-coming car sharing
business with company vehicles located around the country. Customers are able
to reserve them for $9/hour or $75/day and pick them up at various locations in
their city. With this being said, if you need to get to and from work every
day, your weekly cost could already reach up to $360, not to mention other
trips and membership fees. You may also have difficulty finding parking spots
that are permitted by the car sharing provider. But, if you take public
transportation to work and only need the car to grocery shop and for quick
trips a couple days a week, these rates can save you money in comparison to
ownership.

Ridesharing apps like Uber and Lyft offer
competitive prices for once-in-a-while trips where you might’ve used a taxi
(ranging anywhere from $6-$20 for an average one-way trip), but regular or
daily rides aren’t affordable for the average commuter. Charging both per
minute and per mile makes it expensive to rely on this type of transportation
alone.

There are also sites like Liftshare that make it
possible to connect people both offering and seeking rides. The problem with
this type of ridesharing is there are no guarantees that a ride will be offered
when you need one. But, they tend to work well for road trips that involve more
planning when an Uber or Lyft would be out of budget.

To opt for car and ride sharing over ownership
has the potential to save you big bucks, but it requires a lot of planning to
do so efficiently—and it depends on where you live. (For example, it probably
isn’t cost effective in a rural area.) And without your own vehicle, there’s no
quick trip to grab a gallon of milk or underestimating just how long you’ll be
at the mall. These kinds of things can increase your expenses in ride or car
sharing when it wouldn’t make a difference in ownership. If a car is the only
way you expect to travel, this is not the best way to save money. But, if you
mix in other ways to get from place to place like walking, biking or bussing,
it’s a much more viable option.

The difficulty with making this decision is
estimating just how much you really need a car.. Some sites, like Zipcar, offer
personalized calculators to compare costs of owning vs. car sharing. Using
these tools will help as you begin researching which option works best for you.

A
Hybrid of Both Scenarios

What if you own a car and use it to provide
rideshare services? ERIE has you covered. Ridesharing coverage is available for
drivers who put a “business use” designation on their personal car insurance
policy. The coverage offers protection during every part of the trip—before,
during and after the hired ride. Drivers and passengers can now ride easy,
knowing they’re backed by ERIE.

If you’ve just purchased a car for the first
time or are thinking about a career driving for a rideshare company, talk to
your ERIE Agent about your options.

Coverage is subject to limitations
and exclusions. See the policy or talk to an ERIE Agent for details.

Cruising with the windows down is
one of summer’s greatest simple pleasures. But if you’ve got kiddos in the back
seat, don’t forget to stay alert when you roll them back up.

Power windows can cause injury if
little fingers, hands or limbs are in the way. Injuries can be more serious –
or even fatal – if the window closes on a child’s head or neck. A 2007 study
estimated that 2,000 people each year are treated in hospital emergency rooms
for injuries from power windows, and half of those are children.

As a parent, here are 4 things
you should know:

1. Power windows can exert an upward force of 30-80 pounds.

For context, it takes just 22
pounds of force to injure or suffocate an infant, according to kidsandcars.org.
What’s more, the force needed to push a button to roll up a power window is a
mere two pounds.

2. Some window switches are safer than others.

Newer cars will have the safest
type – “lever” style, which have to be pulled up to raise a car window. They
are mounted vertically and harder to activate by accident. (In 2006, the
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration made these mandatory for all
U.S.-manufactured vehicles.)

If you have an older car
(pre-2006), watch out for these styles mounted horizontally on the door’s
armrest – they’re easier for children (or you!) to hit by mistake:

Rocker
switches are rectangular, and move the glass up when you press one short
end and down when you press the other.

Toggle
switches move the window when pushed forward or pulled back.

3. Look before you close

Before you roll up your windows,
make sure the path is clear. Many injuries happen, unfortunately, when adults
simply forget to check on kids in the backseat first.

4. A little prevention goes a long way.

First things first: If your car
has a backseat window lock, use it!

Also, talk to your kids. Teach them
never to play with window switches, stand on passenger door arm rests, or stick
their heads out of a car window.

Finally, if you’re not in the
driver’s seat, make sure to take the keys out when you leave. Leaving the
ignition in the “on” or “accessory” position leaves the power window switches
activated.

Driving a car with no A/C can be miserable during the hot summer months, particularly during a heatwave. As important as it is to your comfort and that of your passengers, automotive air conditioning can be expensive to repair or replace when it breaks down or malfunctions.

In many cases, when the A/C malfunctions, it is considered normal wear-and-tear and not covered by auto insurance policies. However, there are certain situations in which insurance coverage may be available for air conditioning damage.

Mechanical Breakdown Insurance

This coverage option is available when you buy a new car. It works in a similar manner as a warranty or extended warranty, although it covers repairs outside the scope of a warranty. The air conditioning system is a mechanical component of the vehicle. Although wear-and-tear in the air conditioning system is not covered by mechanical breakdown insurance, it is likely that manufacturer defects would be covered.

Comprehensive Coverage for A/C Damage

Comprehensive coverage applies to losses other than those incurred in an accident or collision. It covers situations such as theft, vandalism, fire, and floods. If your air conditioning system has been damaged or destroyed as a result of a fire or another event covered under your comprehensive auto insurance, repairs to your A/C may well be covered.

Coverage for Air Conditioning Damage in an Accident

Auto accidents can happen in any number of ways and cause a wide variety of damage to the vehicles involved. Like other mechanical components of an automobile, the air conditioning system can be severely damaged in a collision.

When A/C damage is caused by an accident, it may be possible to file a claim to cover the cost of repairs. The types of auto insurance that cover vehicle damage resulting from an accident include collision, liability, and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.

Liability claims are filed against the driver who caused the accident. If collision or uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is used, you will file a claim with your own insurance company, in which case there typically a deductible. If the accident has caused significant damage to your auto A/C exceeding the deductible, it may be well worth filing a claim.

Review Auto Insurance Coverage with Your Insurance Agent

We carry auto insurance to protect ourselves against liability, injuries, and property damage to our vehicles. To ensure you have the adequate coverage for all possible types of losses, it is important to discuss your auto insurance policy with an experienced agent.

Our local agents at Vision Insurance in Wyomissing, Pennsylvania will be happy to review your auto insurance policy with you. We can help ensure that you have the coverage and policy limits to provide the comprehensive protection you need.

Many different factors affect auto insurance premiums, including age, gender, profession, marital status, location, vehicle age and size, and your driving record. Our agent can help you find the auto insurance coverage you need at the lowest available rates.

We think about safety, comfort and reliability when we’re
in the process of purchasing a new vehicle. But what about if it’s an easy
target for car thieves? The report
in this source article examines vehicle theft data submitted by law enforcement
to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) and determines the vehicle
make, model and model year most reported stolen in 2016.

Take a look at the latest article on car theft and see if your current (or new) ride falls on this list. You can even click on an interactive map to see the top 10 vehicle thefts by state.

Help protect your vehicle by making sure you always lock your car and
by having the right auto insurance. An insurance professional like an Erie Insurance
agent can help you find the right coverage at the right price.

Many of us love the idea of turning our backyards into an
inviting oasis where the kids can let loose while the adults unwind. Who
wouldn’t want to kick back and listen to the happy squeals of their kids as
they splash in the pool, bounce on the trampoline or swing higher on the
swings?

Play it Safe

It’s important to take an inventory of your backyard and
identify potential risks. Your insurance agent can help you determine what
liabilities you have and what coverage limits are best for your specific
situation. It’s about the peace of mind knowing you, your family (and the
neighborhood kids) are protected if something happened.

It’s important to understand that swimming pools and
trampolines are known as an “attractive nuisance.” In other
words, you may have something that’s kept outside that could tempt a child to
sneak into your yard and use it. If that kid ends up getting hurt or worse, you
could be held liable, even if they were trespassing.

Bottom line, there are many situations where if someone
gets hurt at your home, you’re financially responsible for his or her injuries. To protect yourself, talk to your
agent. Understand what is covered under your homeowners policy and what isn’t,
and consider an umbrella policy for more liability coverage for
your backyard enhancements.

In addition, take a few extra steps to protect your
family and your visitors. We’ll walk through some of the most common
causes of backyard accidents and what homeowners can do to protect their
families, their guests and their finances — without sacrificing the fun factor.

One of the best things about summer is taking advantage
of the warmer weather and enjoying the great outdoors. For some, this means heading
to the beach, hiking trails and spending time at parks. For others, however, it
means simply sitting on their deck and sunbathing or enjoying a summer evening.
While this may seem like a safer and more convenient alternative to
experiencing nature, there could be some potential hazards you need to be aware
of, especially if your deck is older or was not built by professionals. Here
are some things you should look for if you or your family will be out on the
deck this summer.

Splintering
Boards

If your deck is made of wood, it is essential that you
maintain its condition every year. Changes in weather can significantly impact
its durability. One common problem occurs when boards are weathered and begin to
split and stick up, causing potential cut or tripping hazards. It’s important to wear proper footwear and
replace boards that could be splintering.

Hand
Rails

Over time, hand rails can become less and less secure as
the nails and screws originally installed work themselves out. Changing weather
and varying temperatures are to blame here, as warmer weather expands the wood,
leaving more room for the nails and screws to move. Be sure to test the
stability of the hand rails. They should not wobble or bend and if they do, it
might be time to replace them.

Stairs

Much like hand rails, stairs can lose strength and
durability as they become weathered or used extensively. If not properly
secured, stairs can become serious tripping hazards, especially for younger
children. This is why it is important to be able to understand what to look
for. If the stairs bend when you walk up/down them, or there are any splits in
the wood, it is definitely worth addressing.

Support
Posts

Often times, the largest threat to the safety of your deck
depends on the stability of the supports that hold it up. Many people are not
aware that, aside from weather, insects can be the biggest threat to the safety
of a deck structure.Termites and carpenter ants are examples of insects that can do the most damage to
wooden structures and if you feel like you may have an infestation near your deck,
it may be worth calling a pest control professional. Multiple small holes in
posts/fixtures could be indicative that insects are burrowing in the wood.

If wood is splitting or decaying, inspect it with a
flathead screwdriver by inserting it into the cracks/splits. If you can place
it ¼ inch or more into the wood, or if the wood has a spongy consistency, this
could be a sign of rotting.

Nails/Screws

While there are several components of a deck that are
more easily recognized at first glance, it is important to also consider some
elements that are more concealed. Nails, screws and fasteners are among these
components, as they play a significant role in the safety and stability of the
deck. Many decks that were built before the 80’s were supported using nails
alone, which is problematic because they do not have the “teeth” that modern
day fasteners and screws do. This means that over the years, it is easier for
each nail to loosen, causing boards and support structures to become unstable. If
you think your deck may fall under this category, contact a local contractor to
be sure this will not become an issue.

The truth is, you do not need to be a construction expert
to know what to look for when it comes to inspecting your deck. It is always
important to use your best judgement and if something does not look right,
address it as soon as possible. If you are unsure about something, be sure to consult
with a professional.

Some of the best memories are
created in your own backyard or, in this case, on your deck. Make sure your
family is safe and has the proper protection.

Contact an Erie Insurance Agent to make sure you have the
homeowners coverage you and your family need.

Taking your driver’s test is one of the biggest and most exciting milestones in your life, but it can be one of the scariest, too. With so many rules to remember, many new drivers panic before the exam. To help you out, here are a few easy tips from dmv.org.

Practice Like Perfect

Nobody is perfect, but your driving can come pretty close. Although it can be easy to cut corners and break the rules when there’s no pressure, rolling stops and broken speed limits can quickly become bad habits. Treating every practice drive like the real test will help you perfect your skills and have confidence going into the test both key components in passing. If you know where you’ll be testing, it’s especially beneficial to practice on those roads.

Respond to Criticism

Learning to drive is nerve wracking, so having your instructor stomp on the invisible brake from the passenger seat is far from a confidence booster (Don’t worry, we’ve all been there). However, with more years of driving experience, it’s important to listen and respond to your instructor’s recommendations (even if they come in the form of holding on to the seat for dear life). As you approach the test date, ask a licensed driver to critique or grade each ride as if he or she was your test examiner. Simulating the test and all of its parts beforehand (parking, stopping, turning, changing lanes, evenbeing critiqued) will help you feel more relaxed on the day of the test.

Know Your Car

Make sure you take your driver’s test in the car you typically drive or are most comfortable in. Just like the comfort you get wearing your favorite t-shirt, it’s the same with cars. Studying and remembering where each part of your car is and what it does is a crucial part of the test, even though it seems like the easiest. Before the test begins, it’s a good idea to already have your mirrors and seats adjusted to your needs. You should also make sure your car is up to par with all safety standards prior to the test.

Don’t Focus on Mistakes

If you make a mistake, it’s important to move on and focus on the road ahead. Concentrating on a slip up made early in the test can lead to more problems throughout the exam. This is one of the most common mistakes new drivers make. Worrying about something that already happened can’t change the outcome of the exam, but paying attention and driving carefully for the rest of it can.

Study Your Learner’s Manual

Even though you’ve already passed the written portion of your permit exam, it’s a good idea to review your learner’s manual again. Being confident in the rules of the road will give you an advantage in the practical portion and remind you of things you may have otherwise forgotten.

Don’t Bring Distractions

It might go without saying, but bringing your phone or other distractions to the exam is never a good idea. Even if you don’t plan on picking up your phone, hearing it ring or vibrate can cause you to lose focus and distract your examiner. It’s also recommended that you turn off your radio and any other devices during the exam for the same reason.

Getting your driver’s license is a big deal, and practicing safe driving is an even bigger deal. Following the rules and focusing throughout all your practices is the easiest way for you to do both.

Before you get behind the wheel, don’t forget to contact an Erie Insurance agent about the auto coverage that is right for you. There are discounts available for teen drivers if you’re on your parent’s auto policy and if you take a professional driver’s training course. Your agent will be able to walk you through these options.

There are also helpful tips for parents with soon-to-be and current teen drivers in the blog series “Bittersweet Sixteen.”

Grandparents are great for passing down family recipes and
stories of the “good ol’ days.” Today, an increasing number of grandparents are
also raising their grandchildren. Pew
Charitable Trusts data shows that 2.9 million grandparents were raising
their grandchildren in 2015, compared with 2.5 million in 2005.

Oftentimes, grandparents become primary caregivers due to
unforeseen circumstances. Regardless of what those circumstances may be, there
are three things grandparents should consider when their chicks’ chicks are
back in the nest.

Commit to safety first

The bad news is that accidental injury is the leading cause
of death for children up to 14 years old, and more than a third of
accident-related deaths happen in the home, according to KidsHealth.

The
good news? There are a many ways to
create a safe environment for little ones. Secure large furniture to walls, buy
safety gates for staircases, and install outlet covers, corner protectors,
security locks and appliance latches. It could also be a good time to update
in-home safety features for grandparents, too. Handrails provide better grip on
staircases, and anti-slip mats and grab bars in the bathroom can help with
stability.

Consider the car

Also,
reevaluate your auto insurance policy. Talk to an Erie Insurance agent about
whether it makes more sense to add grandchildren with a driver’s license to an
existing policy or take one out for them specifically. Grandparents may be able
to add grandkids as secondary drivers on a policy, but should be prepared to
pay higher rates since teens have more accidents than any other age group.

Enter the Youthful Driver Discount offered by Erie Insurance. Eligible licensed drivers 20 years old and under can
save up to 20 percent on their car insurance. Plus, drivers under age 21 who
complete an accredited driver’s education course may also be eligible for
discounts.

Leave a legacy

According
to LIMRA, 30
percent of households don’t have life insurance. Grandparents – regardless of whether
or not they are raising their grandchildren – should still be sure this
coverage is up to date.

A term
life insurance policy may make sense. More affordable than a whole life policy,
it provides financial security for those golden years, helps supplement
retirement income and can assist with final expenses. A term life insurance
policy can also help pay off a mortgage, giving grandparents peace of mind
knowing that dependents have a roof over their heads.

If you’re a motorcycle rider, there’s a good chance
you’re planning to attend at least onebike rallythis
summer.

One of the most popular ones around isRoar on the Shore,
a bike fest in Erie Insurance’s hometown of Erie, Pennsylvania. This year’s
rally will be held July 12-16.

More than 170,000 riders will come to Erie to enjoy live
music (including headliners Jackyl, Molly Hatchet, Great White and Cinderella’s
Tom Keifer), organized rides and dance
parties The most famous ride is the Bringin’ in the Roar parade on Thursday. Actor
Danny Trejo will be the Grand Marshal this year.

Each year, the event also raises money for a local
charity. This year, proceeds from the rally will benefit Mercy Center for
Women. This organization helps provide safe and supportive transitional
housing, education and counseling for homeless women in the region.

ERIE is proud to be the sponsor of the Bringin’ in the
Roar parade and the Roar on the Shore app (Find it for your iOS or Android device). The app provides
updates on ride options and maps, performance schedules and more.

ERIE is also proud to offer improved insurance protection
for motorcycles. If you need coverage for your ride, talk to anErie
Insurance agentto learn more and get a free quote.

On June 6, ERIE Co-founder O.G. Crawford was remembered
during a special dedication ceremony in his hometown of Kane, Pennsylvania. A
new amphitheater was built in his honor as a part of the Kane Area Revitalization
Enterprise (K.A.R.E.). Erie Insurance was one of the many businesses to provide
funding for the project in this town of 5,400, located 90 miles southeast of
Erie.

Erie Insurance Agent Mike Merry of the W.E. Swanson Agency
and a member of K.A.R.E., advocated for the amphitheater to be dedicated to Crawford.
Merry and K.A.R.E. celebrated the project’s completion with a reception on June
6 that was attended by Erie Insurance Board Chairman Tom Hagen and other senior
leaders. The amphitheater will be used for events such as music performances, local contests, plays, classes, and
many other unique events and festivities.

Oliver Grover Cleveland Crawford was born in 1884 and died
in 1961. A historic plaque dedicated by Erie Insurance in his honor includes
details about his time growing up in Kane and later serving in the U.S. Navy,
as well as building Erie
Insurance with Cofounder H.O. Hirt. The plaque includes a quote from Hirt
about his business partner and friend:

“There never would
have been an ERIE without Ollie. For Ollie was more of a promoter than I ever
could be…Ollie’s chief contribution to The ERIE was NERVE. He was the promoter.
I was the balance wheel. He was the Father. I was the Mother.”